BaoFeng UV-82HP (CAMO) High Power Dual Band Radio: 136-174mhz (VHF) 400-520mhz (UHF) Amateur (Ham) Portable Two-Way

Bought this to use as a backup semi-secure communication method in the event of disaster or other unfortunate events, as well as a programmable radio for work and outdoor activity. The FCC may frown upon it, but the ability to program both HAM and FRS frequencies is quite useful. Why the FCC doesn't like that, I will never know.At any rate, I'm getting roughly all day battery life and 1.5 mile range in an urban environment. Flatness and structures are the death of radio waves, so this is about what I expected. This was with a Nagoya 771 antenna, so YMMV with the stock antenna. I suspect it would improve substantially from a rooftop.The keypad programming is obnoxious as hell, but with CHIRP and the programming cable (buy this, do not order without if you're planning on utilizing a varied set of fixed frequencies, repeaters, government channels, or weather channels). With CHIRP, you will have no problem getting 128 channels up in action.The included PTT headset works, but I'd get a better one for serious use. It would be excellent for driving or other low risk, static jobs that require hands free to accomplish safely. While the radio appears to be of durable construction, the headset is not.All said, you aren't going to get a better deal for the price. It's actually a pretty awesome piece of gear, and if you need to outfit the masses with radios cheap and plentifully, if you're on a tight budget, or just want some radios to play around with and not get too serious with. It's got good (probably excessive given the antenna limitations) power and is easy to use once it's programmed. Press the arrows, rock and roll.Now, while functional out of the box, you will want to buy the following in order of importance: Programming cable, longer antennas (I use the Nagoya 771 15in whip, just get something longer), more batteries, and maybe a PTT if you think you'll need it. You don't need to whip out the Peltor Comtacs, but the one that comes with it is pretty cheap.

I first found out about these radios from a friend. He was using them so I knew they worked well, for the money you couldn't get a better radio. I started out getting just one to use at work. I bought the program cable off of Amazon and downloaded the CHIRP software. You don't want to try programming these radios without using a laptop. It says you can field program them but it's a pain.The radio worked fine. With the proper frequencies and PL codes I was able to use the radio on shift as a backup to my department issued radio. I can use the radio for about 3 shifts before I need to charge it. The batteries hold up better than our Motorola. Everyone I work with was seeing the good results I was getting out of this radio and had me order all of them one as well. Everyone now has one. We use these to save the battery on the Motorola for a fire since I wouldn't be taking this into a harsh environment. Holding the radio it feels very solid, but just isn't going to hold up to water and heat like a Motorola will.Now I own 3 of these radios. I still have the original at work. I bought two more to use on my days off to communicate between my wife and I. I can be out on the farm and not have to take a phone with me for her to get in touch with me. A lot of friends and family have bought these based on what they've seen out of them from me using them. You don't need to be a HAM operator to own this radio. There are plenty of frequencies the FCC allows us to use without a license.The flashlight is handy for finding a key hole in the dark. The FM radio is nice to play some music in a pinch, it does receive well. There are so many features on the radio that are helpful. Once you get one it seems like a lot to take in, if you spend some time with it you'll be cruising through the features without using the manual. One feature I really like is the ability to monitor both channels showing on the screen. This lets you monitor your main fire channel and also a talk-around.The speaker is really loud. I haven't had any problems hearing it broadcast. The dual push-to-talk buttons are handy. I'm constantly using this to switch back and forth in conversations without having to change channels.The programming of these isn't hard at all. There is a lot of help and support online. I can program one now in about 2 minutes. Once you get all of the frequencies put in they are saved, transferring from the saved file on a computer or even radio to radio is a breeze.

This baofeng radio offers high output, which I can confirm it has been able to reach 8W with no problem on the range. The reception is decent overall and I have accidentally got the radio wet. I dried it completely and was able to receive and transmit without any further issues on the other end. Overall, it's a decent radio that allows for base charging and is pretty durable, given the encounter with water. It is also easily compatible with the 'Chirp' software where you can input your desired stored channels and customize the rx and tx frequencies along with ctcss and dcs values. For beginners, I recommend this as a decent starter radio. The price is definitely justified for what you get.